The Persecution of the Jews and Muslims of Portugal: King Manuel I and the End of Religious Tolerance, 1496-7

François Soyer explores a pivotal moment in history, examining the intense persecution faced by Jews and Muslims in Portugal during the reign of King Manuel I. The work delves into the events of 1496-1497, a time when religious tolerance began to crumble, leading to the disenfranchisement and forced conversions of these communities. Through meticulous research, Soyer interrogates previously held beliefs about the motivations behind the king's policies and the broader societal implications of such actions.

The narrative provides a nuanced look at the socio-political dynamics that fueled this persecution, shedding light on the complexities of cultural identity and religious strife in late 15th-century Portugal. Soyer's engagement with diverse historical sources offers readers a comprehensive understanding of how fear, politics, and religion intertwined, ultimately reshaping the landscape of religious coexistence in the region.